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Midfielder scores with Eagles

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by:
Jen Blanco
Sports Editor

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Logan Moriarty isn’t one to get wrapped up in individual accolades.

The Sarasota Military Academy senior and Braden River Soccer Club U18 center midfielder is simply focused on doing whatever he can to help his team win — whether it’s scoring goals, dishing out assists or keeping opposing players at bay.

Two years ago while playing for IMG Academy, Moriarty helped his U15 team capture the state cup for the first time.

Now, Moriarty is preparing to wrap up his final high school soccer season.

Moriarty joined the SMA soccer team last year. It was not only Moriarty’s first year playing high school soccer, but it also was the Eagles’ inaugural season.

“I like playing more with your friends,” Moriarty says of playing high school soccer. “You know the people a little better because you see them every day at school.”

The Eagles finished 4-11-2 with Moriarty scoring a pair of goals and adding five assists. This season, Moriarty has stepped up his level of play and his hard work has paid off. Although the Eagles’ current record is exactly the same as it was at the end of last season, Moriarty has become more of an offensive threat, contributing nine goals and five assists with one game remaining on the schedule.

“I’m helping the other players out more than I was last year,” Moriarty says. “I’d rather help the team out (than score goals). I always try to go out and do my best. I just try to be my own player.”

“Logan has the perfect blend of experience and skill in playing the game of soccer; and has shown the work ethic and leadership ability that I’m looking to develop in the soccer players at SMA,” coach Fredrik Sandstrom says.

Moriarty began playing soccer when he was 4 years old. The sport proved to be somewhat challenging at first, but it wasn’t long before the younger player was spending just about every day out on the field.

“I loved it and had a passion for it,” Moriarty says. “I just (love) the game — getting to play every day. The soccer field was five minutes from my house, so I could come out here whenever I wanted.”

Moriarty worked his way through the BRSC organization and will play his final season with the Rage this spring. In doing so, Moriarty hopes to draw the attention of college coaches with the hopes of fulfilling his dream of playing at the next level.

“Any school that will take me, I would love to play for them,” Moriarty says.